Battling Dragons XV lose to Leinster A

Dragons XV produced a spirited display in Dublin as they lost out 55-17 to runaway Celtic Cup leaders Leinster a at Energia Park on Saturday.

Undefeated Leinster had swept all before them in the tournament this season and hit over 50 points for the third consecutive game against Dragons with centre Gavin Mullin grabbing a hat-trick.

However, Dragons XV deserve praise for battling throughout and they were rewarded with three tries.

Jack Dunne put Leinster ahead on two minutes before Mullin grabbed his first three minutes later.

Leinster would extend the lead to 33 points by the break with Adam La Grue, Dan Sheehan and Mullin all going over the whitewash.

Tommy O’Brien added another home try before Dragons XV hit back, with powerful centre Tom Hoppe going over.

Leinster added three more scores before Dragons hit back with 12 points late on, with centre Aneurin Owen going over.

Leinster Rugby A: Rob Russell, Niall Comerford, Gavin Mullin, Tommy O’Brien, Adam La Grue, Conor Kelly, Rowan Osborne; Charlie Ward, Dan Sheehan, Tom Clarkson, Charlie Ryan, Jack Dunne, Oisín Dowling, Ronan Watters, Brian Deeny

Replacements: Bobby Sheehan, Marcus Hanan, Roman Salanoa, Cian Prendergast, Ronan Foley, Paddy Patterson, James Tarrant, Liam Turner

Dragons XV: Carwyn Penny, Rio Dyer, Tom Hoppe, Aneurin Owen, James McCarthy, Arwel Robson, Dan Babos; Josh Reynolds, Rhys Lawrence, Chris Coleman, James Sheekey, Dan Partridge, Ben Fry, Ben Roach (c), Garin Price

Replacements: Will Griffiths, Dylan Bartlett, Luke Yendle, Ben Carter, Benji Hoppe, Dafydd Buckland, Oliver Lewis, Joe Goodchild